Donovan family
The Donovans are a wealthy mixed-Irish family from Cartagena, Colombia. They are well-known for their wildlife conservation efforts, dogs, and almost careless generosity. Their support has backed many a cause.
As a whole, they are remarkably openminded. Like many of their countrymen the Donovans do not care about purity or class. Nor do they care about wealth or sexuality. What they do care about are principles, just causes, and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Donovans are advocates and firm believers, especially in themselves; once they take up a cause, they fully commit, and they respect those who are the same. Pureblood Donovans are more of a coincidence than anything else, and anyone who appear to put too much stock in it are more or less treated with rude curiosity—at best.
Despite their name, the Donovans can trace their roots back to Argentine, Chilean, Spanish, and mestizo origins. As the progenitor of this branch in particular, Charmaine Donovan is the current matriarch. Few things happen without her approval—at least, not without consequences.
Reputation
Together, Donovans are boisterous, comfortable, competitive, and almost aggressively friendly. Their celebrations are long and loud, often for days. (The same can be said of their fights.) Though the family is large and spread out, they are a close-knit clan and take great joy in welcoming a new friend or member into their ranks.
In fact, they would go so far as to even fight amongst themselves to be the most welcoming—which is why crossing even one of them is a mistake; Donovans are very protective. A slight against one is a slight against those closest to them, and they will go to great lengths to ensure that it won't happen again... with alarming tenacity.
For the most part, though, they are a candid, willful, gregarious bunch. When they aren't championing causes, partying, or pursuing their own interests, they are often out and about, meeting new people and getting to know those around them. Few things intrigue them more than people, and they are fond of asking questions—especially the awkward ones. They are even less shy among friends.
They like to think of boundaries as a kind of guideline. For other people.
Donovan Hounds
- If they aren't throwing parties, saving the world, or poking their noses into other people's business and making it their business, Donovans breed very large, muscular, and highly intelligent bullmastiff mixes. Their strength and intelligence make them capable hunters and fierce combatants, and their loyal, sociable nature make them excellent family pets and protectors.
- Xiomara, Charlie's personal hound, is the genetic parent and grandparent of most Donovan pets. The ones that aren't reserved for family or breeding are neutered/spayed and sold as guard dogs for obscene sums of money.
Traditions
Religion
- To a certain extent the Donovans are religious; officially Roman Catholic, they celebrate Christmas (which starts on the 7th) and attend Mass (though not as frequently as they did in the past). Many candles are lit in honor of the holiday, as are fireworks and paper globes (which are then released into the sky). Parties are rambunctious and continue well into the morning.
- On the Day of the Dead, they visit their relatives in the Preserve, bringing gifts such as books, flowers, and news of the living. The occasion is somewhat less somber than its Muggle counterpart, since some relatives may actually be present.
Education
- As of late, Donovans attend Ledesma. Most of the children are still too young to start, but a few have begun, and like their elders they are encouraged to socialize and participate in sports as they are to apply themselves to their studies.
Sports
- Sports are a big deal, Quidditch and football (soccer) in particular. (Always root for Colombia.)
Dogs
- When a couple has their first child, they receive a pup or a dog under one (1) year of age. If the Donovan remarries and the new spouse has Charlie's approval, the couple will receive a second dog.
Notable Members
- See also: Patricio Donovan, Raul Donovan, Talia Donovan, Andrea Donovan, Timo Donovan
Most Donovans are dark-haired, with chiseled or delicate features, prominent eyebrows, and large, wide-set eyes (usually pale blue-green, hazel-green or dark brown). Many become magizoologists, teachers, globetrotters or activists, and lead active if not athletic lifestyles. Parseltongue runs in the family.
